Volume XXXIII No.2 February/March 1990

The search is over: new provost is here

fill the position of provost at Spelman. mulation, implementation and overall review are.” The search for Provost began last June. of academic, economic, and structural poli­ Dr. Simmons is the youngest daughter of The provost search committee consisted of cies. Under the direction of the President, she twelve, and a native Texan. Her education six faculty members and our own S SG A Presi­ will be the chief administrative officer of the includes a B.A. from Dillard University, and dent, Kandance Weems. Two-thousand let­ college. She will supervise the divisional and both an M.A., and a Ph.D. from Harvard ters were sent out to the college community departmental chairs and other senior officers University. As a deputy dean for faculty nationwide, and an ad was placed in the June of the institution. The Vice Presidents of affairs at Princeton for three years, she has 1989 edition of the Chronicle for Higher Student Affairs, Business and Financial Af­ had avid experience in the field of academic Education. The Committee received sev­ fairs and Development will continue to report planning and staffing. In her letter of intent, enty-seven responses; six persons were inter­ to Dr. Cole. Simmons comments that the most important viewed, and out of the six, one name was sub­ When Dr. Moreland was asked what qualification she brings to the task is “a mitted to Dr. Cole. specific qualities the committee was looking commitment to the exceptional kind of educa­ Dr. Lois B. Moreland, Chairperson for for in the candidates, she responded: “The tion Spelman embodies.” the Social Sciences Division and Director of person who elicits maximum respect, abso­ A woman of diversified abilities, Dr. the International Affairs Center at Spelman lute composure and will work well with our Simmons, is a welcome addition to an institu­ College for the A.U.C., was also the Chair­ President to provide an academic vision for tion of African-American women who are not Dr. Ruth Simmons, New Provost person of the Search Committee for Provost. the campus.” Dr. Cole simply responded to Photo courtesy of Princeton University afraid of challenge. When Dr. Cole was asked She felt that all the committee members were the same question: “the most competent and if she and the committee were looking spe­ honored to have been chosen because “the dynamic person that we could find.” The new cifically for an African-American woman to By Kimberly M. Gist President could have made the decision on position is expected to disperse the duties of fill the vacancy, she replied “No”, and then her own, she (Dr. Cole) didn’t have to open it the staff a great deal. Dr. Cole feels that since added with a wink “it’s a real plus that the Sometime this month the Spelman fac­ to faculty and students.” her road trips are increasing with her efforts to perfect candidate happened to be an African- ulty and its students will be endowed with a Dr. Simmons’ responsibilities in her new find the resources necessary to maximize the American woman.” welcome addition to the family. Dr. Ruth position will be extensive. In essence, she potential of the institution, someone is needed The Spotlight would like to thank Angela Simmons, formerly the Associate Dean at will be our President’s right-hand woman. As on campus. She commented with a smile: Getter, Secretary to the Search Committeefor Princeton University, will join our forces and Provost, she will be responsible for the for­ “academic progress is the center of who we Provost, for contributing to this article.

Acquaintance Rape: A hidden epidemic on many campuses by Tayari A. Jones

Contrary to popular belief, rapists are not book, / Never Called it Rape, is based on her cient data on the rapes of Black women to negative experiences many Black people have usually crazed night-stalking strangers who findings. Koss surveyed more than 6100 thoroughly explain these differences. had with interactions with the police. lurk in dark alleys at night, waiting for pretty students at 32 four-year and two-year col­ However, many scholars have formu­ Bell Hooks wrote in Zeta magazine that young college students to walk home from the leges. Her findings demonstrated the preva­ lated hypotheses which explain Kross’ find­ “In a white supremacist sexist society, all library alone. More often, the rapist is some­ lence of acquaintance rape. ings. Dr. Gayle Wyatt, professor at the Uni­ women’s bodies are devalued; but white one you know. Though many colleges and * One in six female college students had versity of California Los Angeles Neuropsy­ women’s bodies are valued more than those Universities are willing to openly discuss the experienced an attempted or completed rape. chiatric Institute, as quoted in Black Issues in of women of color.” possibility and danger of stranger rape, the * 84% of the women raped knew their Higher Education, says that socio-economic Although 90% of rapes are committed by more rampant incident of acquaintance rape attacker. status puts Black women more at risk. "Poor a rapist who is of the same race as the victim, is seldom as candidly confronted. Because of * Only 27% of the women whose sexual people are less able to protect themselves when there is a difference of race, 67% are this, acquaintance rape can be accurately assault met the legal definition of rape consid­ from the risks of the world.” She attributes committed by white men raping Black women. described as a hidden epidemic. ered the incident to be rape. Black women’s failure to report rape to the (continued on page 10) Due to many victims’ failure to report the * One in twelve male college students crime, it is difficult to get an accurate count of said he had committed an act that met the legal the number of rapes committed. According to definition of rape, but none of them consid­ Blacklssues inHigher Education, 6,000 rapes ered themselves to be rapists. Off campus students: Beware! are reported each year on college campuses Kross’ study represented a cross section alone. However, according to Law Enforce­ of college students. Seven percent of the stu­ ment Administration estimates, for every rape dents were African-American, 86% white, By Doreen Smith reported, 3 to 10 go unreported. Hence, it is 3% Hispanic and 1% Native American. possible that 18,000 to 60,000 women are Though there were no differences in the vic­ Off campus students be very aware one thing that cannot be avoided on tele­ raped each year on college campuses. timization among college students, Kross of the real possibilities of being a victim vision shows, in the news reports and on College students are considered to be a found that there were distinct differences in of a violent crime. Living off campus our streets: violent crimes. We are re­ high risk for rape. This is probably because of the way women of different races reacted to increases students’ chances of being at­ minded time and time again about the their ages. Rape victimization rates for women rape. For example, Black women were less tacked, especially while in transit. Stu­ dangers we, especially women, can en­ ages 16 through 24 is four times higher than likely to report a rape than white women. dents must take heed to the dangers that counter. One of our Spelman sisters the average for all women. However, Black women were three times as surround them and become more aware realized how serious those reminders Dr. Mary P. Koss, a professor of psychia­ likely to blame the perpetrator rather than of the possible threats of physical, emo­ should be taken. try at the University of Wisconsin, conducted themselves for the crime. Even though Black tional, and mental harm. On November 2, 1989, around 6:00 comprehensive studies of victimization and women are twice as likely as white women to In today’s society, there seems to be p.m., a junior at Spelman, who lives off sexual aggression among college students. A be victims of rape, it is difficult to find suffi­ (continued on page 9)

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Page 2 Page 5 Page 8 Page 12

Z Spelman Spotlight Page 2 CAMPUS NEWS Spotlight Investigation: Cafeteria Blues

By Doreen Smith

There seems to be an unwritten rule that forks (70%) needed to be wiped before using. though on some occasions the chili we ate on everyone who goes to school must complain Of the knives, about 5 out of 10 were found Tuesday seemed like the sauce poured over about the food. In fact, it is so common the dirty. our spaghetti on Thursday, we could not col­ complaints may not be taken seriously. But Another complaint dealt with the glasses. lect any solid evidence to substantiate this should they? The Spotlight decided to take According to Dean Hill, they are supposed to suspicion. The Spotlight hopes that the food some of the complaints commonly heard and be washed, as well as put through the dish­ we receive is the best that it can be. put them to the test. washer. Apparently this is not always the We suggest that you try your own inves­ One of the complaints was the cleanli­ case, because during our investigation, lip­ tigation and send us the results. If you still ness of the silverware. When examining 10 stick was often found around the edges. feel uneasy about the dirty silverware and Now, the final complaint we decided to possibly reused meat, all we can say for now forks and knives on two separate occasions, Students search for clean siverware. is to bring plastic forks and try the salad bar. we noticed that on the average, 7 out of 10 investigate was that of the food itself. Even Photo: Jocelyn Coleman

You can’t trust your lover’s word about AIDS, Morehouse black women warned College enforces visitation policies By Thonnia Lee

Reprinted with permission from the Atlanta “Mother” Hale, founded the Hale House in child-care agency as a home for young chil­ By Angela Hill, Journal-Constitution. 1969 as a refuge for children bom to drug- dren bom to drug-addicted mothers. More addicted mothers. Mother Hale was present than 800 children have received care and the SSGA Parliamentarian Black Women who previously felt they but did not speak. Hales have raised more than 40 children. were protected from AIDS because they "In some communities, men who are gay But the message Dr. Hale tried to focus The Spelman Student Government weren’t involved with homosexuals or drug will say 'I’m gay,”’ Dr. Hale said. "But in on the minds of the many students was to get Association (SSGA) is responsible to abusers have cause to worry for themselves other communities it is not good to say you are involved with community service organiza­ you, the student body of Spelman Col­ and their unborn children. gay. so they won’t tell it.” tions to help the public become more aware. lege. We are obligated to and held ac­ During a workshop in a day-long sympo­ Dr. Hale told the women in graphic detail “You need to understand at an early age countable for informing you about deci­ sium held on World AIDS Day last Decem­ how Hale House has given love to children what your responsibility is," she said, “if you sions made which will affect you. In an ber, Dr. Lorraine Hale told 600 attendees that born with AIDS and then orphaned by moth­ effort to be responsible, we are informing as black women they can no longer trust the ers who succumb to the disease. you of the enforcement of the visitation words of a lover. “We have a celebration of life almost “You don’t know policy of Morehouse College. “You don't know that he's all right,” Dr. every day," she said. "When we find out that For those of you who haven’t heard, Hale, executive director of the Hale House, they are HIV positive we hug them and we that he’s all right” Morehouse College is now enforcing its told the primarily group of mostly teenagers, kiss them and we hold them. female visitation policies. Spelman stu­ “You only know what he tells you and you “We ask are they getting everything they dents who violate the policies will be only know what you see him doing." need today? Are they getting hugs today? Are sanctioned by a panel consisting of Throughout the day, workshops were they getting kisses today? Because we don’t become a part of the problem, then we can’t members of the Judiciary board, stu­ held on medical facts and transmission; teen­ know about their tomorrow," she said. use you because we have to take care of you.” dents, and staff persons appointed by age sexuality; overcoming myths and denial; “We do it because we're not talking about Note: Mother Clara Hale received the Dean Hill. babies and children with AIDS; and a teen a group of youngsters for whom we don’t Spelman College Board of Trustees Distin­ Many Spelman students were not panel on peer pressures. have to plan tomorrow,” she said. guished Service Award at the 1988 Com­ aware that Morehouse College had any Dr. Hale’s mother, Clara Hale, known as In 1969 Clara Hale, now 84, founded the mencement Services. visitation rules at all. According to Merlin Todd, Morehouse Housing Director, Morehouse students are allowed to have female visitors on Tuesday-Sunday be­ tween the hours of 6pm-11:45pm. The SSGA and the Spelman College administration are both aware that many The Blue & White Court Spelman women have either been misin­ formed or uninformed about this issue. We are taking and will continue taking intelligence, spirituality and talent of Spel­ Miss Collegiate African-American Pageant. measures to remedy this problem, and man women.” This competition will be held April 5-15 in will continue to do so. However, in an Adds Ms. Walker: "Miss Blue & White Hollywood. California at Universal Studios. effort to maintain a good working rela­ symbolizes African-American women sup­ The Blue & White court, which includes tionship with the other AUC schools, the porting each other. To me it is of great India Gary, second-runner up, who is pres­ Spelman Administration will sanction significance when talking about queens be­ ently on exchange in France, has had a posi­ Spelman students who violate the visita­ cause most schools who have queens are co­ tive experience and given much back to the tion rules of Morehouse College. ed or male. I really think Miss Blue & White community. However, according to Lajuan is a tribute to women because so often we tend Murphy, there is still room for improvement. to be our worst critics." "In the future, I would like to see the It is this enthusiasm and dedication that court more active, said Ms. Murphy. "There is has propelled the court into action around the a tendency for people to play up Morehouse ’ s Earn school, as well as in the community. In spite courts and I feel students should be more The Blue & White Court 1989 of their busy schedules, they have devoted aware and supportive of things going on with $55O-$1OOO time to working with the External Affairs the Blue & White court.” By Faedra Chatard Board, the Spelman Student Government In order to insure more student body Association, local high schools. The Kid’s support, a new selection process for Miss weekly, “The Miss Blue and White experience Day Carnival, tutoring, and creating a liaison Blue & White may be implemented by the has taught me that Spelman does believe in between the SSGA and Tamara Nash-Am­ time of the next pageant. This process would stuffing envelopes what it promotes and has promoted since its mons, assistant dean of students and director extend the selection of the court to an entire existence: Service,” said the royal one her­ of the Office of Community Service. Future week of activities, not just one day. This at home. self. Carnarf Walker, Spelman’s 1989-90 Miss projects include voter registration in Febru­ would allow a greater display of talents, skills Blue & White. “I know what Spelman is ary, and the presentation of a three-part series and character and enable the student body to about and I believe in the values the women on male-female relationships in March. closely evaluate each candidate before vot­ have. I believe in the sisterhood. I couldn't Ms. Walker, who represented Spelman at ing. represent any other school as I could Spel­ the National Black Hall of Fame Pageant on Though changes may occur in the future, Send SASE to: man.’' September 22, 1989, placed third-runner up the Blue & White Court is sure to maintain its Lajuan Murphy, first runner-up to Miss (an accomplishment emphasized by the fact energy, dignity and purpose. “When we take Blue & White, shares Ms. Walker’s senti­ that, unlike the other contestants, she received the time to celebrate one another,” expounded PO Box 8582, ments concerning what the court represents, her information at the very last minute), and Ms. Walker, “it is one of the most positive Sivver Spring, Md. 20907 “To me it symbolizes the well-roundedness, will be representing Spelman again at the experiences one could have.” Spelman Spotlight CAMPUS NEWS Mentorship program strengthens corporate awareness

By Delitha Morrow

The Spelman College Mentorship Pro­ program this year are Jesse Hill, President, and seniors, and the selection process is Supporters of the program also hope stu­ gram (SCMP) was established in 1988 to Atlanta Life Insurance Company; Charles competitive. dents can sharpen their leadership skills and strengthen students’ leadership and manage­ Ginden, Executive Vice President, Trust Students must complete an application increase their chances of gaining full-time ment skills and provide business opportuni­ Company Bank; Herman Russell, Chairman and be interviewed by a selection committee employment and internship opportunities. ties for them. and CEO, H.J. Russell and Company; Frank composed of faculty, staff, and one student. Jocelyn Coleman, a junior English major The program is funded by The Friends of Skinner, President and CEO, Southern Bell; As a new program, it is small and only a from Washington, D.C. and editor of the Spelman, a group of Atlanta women commit­ Jay Smith, Publisher, The Atlanta-Journal few students will be able to participate each Spotlight, is working with the Atlanta Jour­ ted to providing financial support for the Constitution; Raymond Riddle, Chairman and year at first. nal-Constitution. College. They raised $97,000 during the 1987- CEO, First Atlanta Bank; and William Van The purpose of the meetings is to allow Ms. Coleman learned about the program 88 school year to establish the (SCMP). Landingham, President, Citizens and South­ students to have the opportunity to observe last year and felt it was a great opportunity to Unlike last year, when students worked ern Bank. the activities and responsibilities of the men­ make contacts in the journalism field. with their mentors for only one semester, this Student participation is limited to juniors tors. (continued on page 11) year's participants students are involved for the full school year. “In selecting the leadership for the pro­ gram,” says Assistant Dean of Students and SCMP Director, Tamara Nash Ammons, “we invited executives from the very top of the corporate structure.” The greatest strength of the program is also a source of concern. “These Presidents and Chief Executive Officers are very busy, and they don’t always have a lot of time to spend with the students. But we've asked them to spend a minimum of a couple of hours twice a month,” says Ms. Ammons. Back Row (L-R): Veronica Biggins, Bill Pippen, Alexis Scott-Reeves. Jocelyn R. Coleman, Johnnetta Cole, Herman Russell, Denny Betz and Corporate leaders participating in the John Frink. Front Row (L-R): Lisa Shepard, Doris Grady, Andrea Ivory, Keisha McClellan, Leslie Collins, Gretchen Cook, Joia Johnson, Kimberly Woods, Tamara Nash Ammons and Jesse Hill.

Where the action is Dana By Michelle Warner Foundation The Spelman Women’s Action Coalition provements on campus by making recom­ The members of S.W.A.C. are not to be (SWAC) serves as a liaison between the stu­ mendations to Dean Freddye Hill during overlooked. They form various committees prepares future dent body and the administration where Spel- weekly meetings and negotiating with appro­ that keep a vigilant watch over what’s going manites can voice their complaints and con­ priate administrators. on at Spelman. The committees include: professors cerns about campus life. These milestones include: extending the Registration, Residential Life, Food Service, Felicia Lasley and Adrienne Goolsby are parking lot size, extended breakfast hours on Infirmary, AUC Unity, Scholarship/Hand- By Jocelyn R. Coleman the Co-Advisory Chairs of S.W.A.C. They the weekends, removing music that had nega­ book, Security, and a special committee to are both juniors who have been active mem­ tive connotations from the jukebox and hav­ lobby for an African American/Women Stud­ Fewer than 5% of America's college bers of Spelman’s student government since ing keys for the main dormitory doors made ies major or minor at Spelman. teachers are African-American and African- their freshman years. Ms. Goolsby chose to available to Spelman residents. Other im­ Any interested, hard-working sisters can Americans make up only 2.3% of the faculty lead S.W.A.C. because she wanted to work provements S.W.A.C. is currently working get involved with S.W.A.C. Meetings are members at predominately white institutions. for the improvement of campus life for all on include providing positive news on class­ held the first and third Thursdays of every Fortunately, The Dana Foundation Pro­ Spelman students. Ms. Lasley says she loves room bulletins boards instead of credit card month on the lower concourse of Manley. In gram on Preparing Minorities for Academic Spelman and enjoys actively working with appi ¡cations and insuring that combined exam addition, there will be an upcoming convoca­ Careers, a $2.5 million program established her sisters for change. times are also printed on the exam schedule so tion, sponsored by S.W.A.C. on racism. to increase the number of minority under­ Under Ms. Lasley and Ms. Goolsby’s that students can proceed with travel arrange­ graduate students preparing for careers as guidance, S.W.A.C. has made enormous im- ments. college professors, is in its first year of exis­ tence. Participating institutions include Spel­ man College, Hampton University, More­ Class presidents to lead students to success house College, Tuskegee University, Xavier University and Duke University. Spelman students selected spend two and jazz. Ms. Givens is working fiercely for years as Dana scholars, working closely with her freshmen class and has various activities a faculty member who supervises both re­ planned. search projects and college-level teaching Cecilia Armstrong is the president of the experiences for each scholar. sophomore class. In addition she is a resident Founded by the Charles A. Dana Foun­ assistant of Abby Hall and a tutor for Continu­ dation, devoted to supporting projects in health ing Education. Ms. Armstrong, a native of and higher education, the program affords the Detroit, Michigan and a math major, also scholars the opportunity to spend the summer enjoys drama. She has mad,e various im­ between their junior and senior years at Duke provements for the Sophomore Class. The University in Durham, N.C. attending a six- birthday board announcing the birthdate’s of week research program. class members is one of the various programs "This should supplement the primarily she has initiated. undergraduate environment from which our Shawna Green, a New Yorker, leads the Spelman participants will come.” says proj­ Junior Class. She’s is an English major who ect director, Akiba Harper, Assistant Profes­ sor of English at Spelman College. Class Presidents (L-R): Cindy Brooks C’90, Shawna Green C’91, Cecilia Armstrong plans to attend Law School. At present, Financial support for her junior and sen­ C’92 and Gretchen Civens C’93. Photo: Kelly Wilson Shawna is the treasurer of the New York/New Jersey club. She also works closely with Dean ior years is granted in order to eliminate the By Jean Smith Hill in attempts to audit transcripts. Auditing economic barrier that keeps students from the transcripts involves displaying on stu­ pursuing graduate degrees. Who is your class president? Do you Gretchen Givens is the freshman class dent’s transcripts the classes that the need to Eight sophomores were selected as Dana know? This article is for those of you who president. Currently, Ms. Givens is unde­ take for graduation. scholars last spring. They have maintained may not have taken notice hard-working class cided in her choice of a major, but she is Cindy Brooks is currently heading the 3.3 GPA or higher and demonstrated a sincere presidents. These four women certainly de­ considering English. She is a native of senior class, A Psychology/Mass Communi­ interest and ability in college-level teaching. serve commendation for the fantastic jobs Richmond, Virginia and says she loves Spel­ cation major, Cindy is a native Atlantan. Spelman Dana scholars, their major and they’ve been doing. man. Her hobbies include softball, basketball (continued on page 11) (continued on page 12) Spelman Spotlight Page 4 PREROGATIVE A Sister Takes Control

By Jocelyn R. Coleman

In all the hoopla concerning Mayor Development. Next she was appointed as an African-American woman is the most Marion Barry we’ve seemed to overlook an acting director of the Department of Licenses, powerful individual in the D.C. government. i important fact - a sister is running the nation’s Investigations and Inspections and reorgan­ We should all take the time to look be­ 1 capital. ized it into the new Department of Consumer yond the sensationalism of the mayor’s plight City administrator for the past two years, and Regulatory Affairs where she was the and help steady the shoulders of Carol B. Carol B. Thompson is sitting in the District first director. She then trekked through the Thompson that are carrying so much weight Building right now with the power to negoti­ positions of chief of staff for the mayor, and responsibility right now. She needs our ate contracts over $1 million, submit D.C.’s deputy mayor for economic development and positive vibes. She needs our letters and she budget, declare city emergency and run the finally the first woman to hold her present needs our support. cabinet meetings. position. Correspondence should be addressed to: A native Washingtonian with a B .A. from Some say nothing has really changed as Carol B. Thompson, City Administrator and far as the operation of the city is concerned. Deputy Mayor for Operations, 1350 Pennsyl­ Jocelyn R. Coleman, Editor Smith College and a M.A. in Public Admini­ Photo: Stephanie L. Jackson stration from N.Y.U. She first started work­ One Cabinet member said, “We have been vania Ave., N.W., Room #507, Washington, ing for the D.C. government in 1979 as a running the government without the mayor's D.C., 20004. special assistant to the director of the D.C. full attention for two years." However, there Department of Housing and Community is a big difference. As an unelected veteran. Spelman is a Women’s College, Not a “Girl’s School”

By Tayari A. Jones

It was a Friday and I was busy going boldly asserts womanhood. The only one I ever, encompass one’s feelings about herself. through the Manley ritual when I noticed the could find said “Respect and Protect the Black Being a feminist is a very difficult under­ selection of t-shirts displayed by one of the Woman.” This message can be interpreted as taking. We must look our husbands, brothers, vendors. The shirts bore slogans which boldly positive. However, I compare it to the tone of fathers, and lover in their collective eye and professed racial pride. The vender used good the pro-Black messages, she sees a marked demand change. We love them, but we must marketing strategy by choosing to sell these difference. The pro-Black t-shirts send the love ourselves also. Tayari A. Jones, Associate Editor particular shirts at Spelman. After all, there message that African-Americans are tired of 1 am a feminist. In these times in which Photo: Jocelyn R. Coleman are wall-to-wall Africans milling about on oppression and will be liberated by any means four women a day are killed as a result of Fridays. One of the vendors even offered a necessary. The one shirt which says anything domestic violence, when an estimated 60,00 the steps of Capital Hill and demand your button which read in large no-nonsense let­ about women is plea for protection. women are raped each year on college cam­ reproductive rights, you must DO SOME­ ters, “Black Man’s time." What about the Why aren't we proudly donning shirts puses alone, when sexual harassment is THING! It is our duty and responsibility. Black Woman? I assumed that the vendor which demand the end of sexist oppression? commonplace in the work force, when safe Until we all react in outrage to sexual injus­ being a shrewd marketing strategist would Perhaps it is because many of us are afraid of legal abortions may soon be a thing of the tices, we will be doing a disservice to our have displayed the female-oriented tee-shirts, being labeled as feminists. Many people past, it would be irresponsible of me to be community. If we continue in this pattern of if indeed he had any. This struck me as believe that feminist is synonymous with passive for fear of being labeled. acquiescence, Spelman will cease to be the curious and I thought about it over the week­ lesbian and man-hater. However, the word This is not a commentary about t-shirts majestic women’s college described in the end. feminist or, if you prefer, womanist, has noth­ and buttons. It is about asserting your person- pamphlet distributed by the Admission's Since then, I have been scouting out ing to do with one's sexual preference or hood. If you choose to assert yourself via Office. It will just be the “girl’s school which sweatshirts and buttons looking for one which feelings about men in general. It does, how­ your wardrobe or if you audaciously march to sits across the street from Morehouse.”

Breakin’ it Down Spelman Spotlight Feeling Good and Not STAFF Being Depressed Editor-in-Chief Jocelyn R. Coleman Associate Editor Tayari A. Jones Photo Editor Kelly Wilson Advertising Director Jeanna Bailey (Or in the words of the Faculty Advisor Ta Ressa Stone great contemporary Section Editors Copy Editor Delitha Morrow Entertainment Editor Raye John Belcher philosopher: “Don’t Sports Editor Angela Fry Campus News Editor Doreen Smith Worry. Be Happy!”) Expressions Editor Askari Auset (Corliss Johnson) Layout Editor Angela George Writers Michelle Warner Eunice Vines Dr. Mona Phillips, Assistant Professor of The Spotlight staff would like to note that Monica L. Briggs Angela Hill Sociology at Spelman Dr. Phillips wrote this piece in November, Kimberly M. Gist Faedra Chatard Photo: Tayari Jones 1989. Aretha Hankinson Lori Robinson Laura Brown Gretchen Cook Steve Glass my stomach. I felt tears "coming", but I was Kimara Mason By Dr. Mona Phillips Jean Smith M. Joette Harland not real clear on why this routine of reading Kalia Spears Kheri Holland Students are accustomed to seeing me the morning paper while drinking morning Allegra Lawrence Chaurice Corbin (sometimes with my daughter, sometimes coffee while planning morning schedules Stephanie F. Jackson Sabrina Bradford alone) in the cafeteria eating breakfast and would produce such unpleasant feelings. I Andrea M. Wren reading the morning newspaper. This very then realized that two of the major stories had Typists morning (so understand that the emotions a certain pattern: They were about young and Wendi Cleaveland Cynthia Harris which inform this essay were experienced old Africanamerican people mourning the Segena Ponder Adrienne Goolsby very recently), I was engaged in my usual deaths of young Africanamerican people. On Shana Tyree Alicia Wiltz routine of trying to get some sense of what is the front page was a picture of a elderly black Letters to the Editor or any writing submissions can be mailed to: going on outside of my very small world (all woman, her hands cupping her face, her heavy Spotlight, Spelman College the while understanding that the “sense” I am eyes with the look that eyes get after having P.O. Box 1234 getting is just someone else’s “sense” of it), cried for several days... And captioned under Atlanta, Ga. 30314 when I began to feel this churning in the pit of (continued on page 9)

IO— -r‘ Spelman Spotlight Page 5 STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS Two students’ commitment to art, to making beauty

By Andrea M. Wren

“...that commitment to art, to making article, a Black female researcher for the ABC With talent in hand, heart and mind Ms. beauty, to bearing witness, to saying yessiree Home Show was responsible for both Ms. Duncan and Ms. Wilson continue to create for to the life spirit, whose only request some­ Duncan and Ms. Wilson’s appearance on a the company as well as other organizations. times is just that you acknowledge you truly special, week long segment of that show. The Documenting her history as an artist, Ms. see it.” partners were flown to Los Angeles and the Duncan wrote feverishly in her journal about -from 77ie Temple of My Familiar by show proved to be a success as both artist and the trip to Los Angeles. Of one encounter she Alice Walker poet received nation-wide attention from wrote, “I’m not sure what they (the produc­ thousands of viewers nationwide. ers) expected, but we were not average stu­ “Art for art’s sake is just another piece of Ms. Wilson future goals include publish­ dents; we exemplified intelligence and we deodorized dog-s—t,” says Chinua Achebe ing book of poetry. However, Ms. Wilson were also articulate, polite and gracious. I’m and I am inclined to agree. Many people says she wishes to go beyond poetry to possi­ not being arrogant, but honest; Ginger (a become ‘famous’ and are magically endowed bly writing for television. One of her main producer) kept praising us, she probably with the ability to create artistically in the focuses is comedy. Ms. Wilson says the invi­ imagined us to be a picture of historical stere­ form of images and words. These pieces of tation to appear on the Home Show came as otypes, but then again, that’s what the world 'art’ sell for thousands of dollars. Yet, the quite a shock but believes it is a sign of future expects of our people.” ‘ art' looks as if a crayola factory exploded and prosperity since the company was only a year Spelman women like Vamette Honey- words as well become confined to lines of old at the time. Ms. Wilson says, “I hope that wood, Pearl Cleage, Tina Me Elroy Ansa and static existence...art for art’s sake. Memories by Mariko will become one of the Suzanne Duncan are artists whose expecta­ Sometimes, an individual is bom who largest card companies owned and operated tions and dreams will not be deferred or possesses a gift so powerful that there is little by and for Black people.” defined, but realized. to doubt that the person was bom to create a Renowned artist and Spelman alumna, “room of her own.” Visual artist Suzanne M. of such writers as Ruby Dee and Rita Dove: Vamette P. Honey wood, was one of many Duncan is so endowed. Dark powerful im­ viewers who saw Ms. Duncan and Ms. Wilson ages take shape and form in her hands. These Well there is only one thing I wanted to on the Home Show. She telephoned the part­ images are culturally reminiscent of our rich say ners and offered words of praise and encour­ heritage. Our struggle is portrayed as a dark And that was I had a very strange day agement. Ms. Honeywood was the catalyst National face without physical features of sight and I was sitting here thinking all about for Memories by Mariko cards being placed sound and without an existence. With chained you in College World Bookstore. hands outstretched heavenward, Freedom is That’s not the strange part that’s what I Ms. Duncan has been busy drawing. She Campaign literally written within the c-h-a-i-n-s. usually do submitted three original drawings (not in­ Ms. Duncan, a senior Political Science When suddenly my eyes got all wa­ cluded in the Memories line) for the 1989 Against and French major, has formed her own greet­ tered and red issue of Focus (Spelman’s Literary Maga­ ing card company, Memories by Mariko, with I didn't know what was happening I zine) drew a powerful mask symbolizing Black her partner, Kelly Wilson, who writes, sup­ thought I was dead womanhood for the 1993 freshman class and Hunger plies the words for the cards. Memories by I was taken to the doctor he laid me on recently produced several images for the Mariko includes a line of nine cards and one my back Spelman’s Alumnae Affairs office. Suzanne’s poster which features a positive image of He diagnosed my case as a missing you work was also featured throughout Humani­ Black masculinity titled “The Unbroken heart attack ties Week on t-shirts, the announcement board The Atlanta Chapter of The National Campaign Against Hunger and Home­ Circle”. in Manley Center and the program culminat­ Ms. Wilson, a senior Psychology major, Ms. Duncan and Ms. Wilson appeared in ing Humanities Week. The work she did for lessness was founded on Nov. 23, 1989 wrote her first poem for the Memories line the February 1989 issue of Black Enterprise the alumnae titled “The Shining Light” is by Dometrice Clemmons. This organiza­ tion is operated by students who are inter­ was entitled ‘Missing U’. The poem both magazine in an article entitled “Student En­ currently on sale. Proceeds from the sale are sentimental, humorous and unique in the style trepreneurs on Campus.” As a result of the for the NAASC emergency fund. ested in these specific problems in the community. The schools involved in the At­ lanta Chapter are Spelman College, Emory University, Georgia State Uni­ versity, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw Model volunteer gives to the community College. The participants are working to reduce the frequent problems of Hunger and Homelessness. According to Ms. Clemmons, “ As students we are able to volunteering to work with youth at a summer EAB is involved in several projects, includ­ provide immediate relief to those who camp she’d formerly attended herself. ing activities with The 21 Boys’ Clubs and a encounter hunger or homelessness” Ms. Clemmons has been going strong on self esteem program. The EAB also conducts The organization is preparing for the volunteer scene ever since her youthful a tutorial program for students ranging in a joint effort of American students to debut. She helps by asking others how to grade levels from kindergarten to twelve. fight against poverty. It is called The assist the community. “I go out and ask Although the EAB began its year with a Hunger Clean-Up and will take place on people what kind of preventive methods we budget of zero, Dometrice and the devoted April 7th. The students will be soliciting can use to deal with problems that are not yet members of the organizations were able to pledges and will donate 50% of the funds out of our control.” raise $800 which was donated to youth or­ received to the National Chapter. The Ms. Clemmons has been working hard to ganizations in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. remainder will be used to provide assis­ assist as many people in the community as The self esteem development program tance to the needy. possible. She is chairwoman of the External for young people that Dometrice is involved The organization will also hold a Affairs Board, education director of The Boys ’ with at Southside is very intense. These letter-writing campaign to Congress pro­ Club, founder of the Atlanta Chapter of the young people, who are given to the commu­ testing certain bills concerning the un­ National Campaign Against Hunger & nity by the suggestion of the Court system, derprivileged. Homelessness and finds volunteers to work often have problems developing self esteem The Atlanta Chapter will also hold a for the Southside Health Center Self Esteem for various reasons. This program is designed one-day caucus in Spelman’s Giles Old Program. to help them love and accept themselves. Library Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. This will be a Ms. Clemmons’ volunteer services Ms. Clemmons concentrates on the wel­ meeting to help everyone become more at The Boys’ Club earned her the opportunity fare of youth a great deal because she feels aware of the immediate problems in­ Dometrice Clemmons prepares to become an employee there. She has been they are a very important part of the commu­ volved in hunger and homelessness. correspondence for External Affairs Board. the education director for the last two years, nity. “If we don’t help students in high school Students, community leaders, faculty and Photo: Jocelyn R. Coleman and although she has been offered positions make it through, we won’t have a college anyone interested in serving the commu­ of higher rank and pay, she says she prefers community or a future.” nity are invited. By Stephanie F. Jackson to remain in her present position so that she Although this Spelman woman has This organization also needs vol­ has direct contact with the youth involved in proven her innovation and devotion, she unteers. If anyone is interested in be­ coming involved submit your name to What makes a young lady who could be the program. emphasizes that she needs assistance and Dometrice Clemmons’ envelope in the spending time with her friends or loved ones Ms. Clemmons was appointed the challenges all Spelman students to become SSGA office. decide to devote a great portion of her life to position of chairwoman of the External Af­ more involved in the community surrounding helping others? According to Dometrice fairs Board (EAB), a division of the Spelman them. “There is power in numbers and to - Stephanie F. Jacksnn Clemmons, a Spelman student who’s doing Student Government Association, because of make Spelman a powerful place of commu­ nity service we need to increase the number of just that, it’s the desire to help others. “I’ve her excellent service in the community. The "71 always been involved in the community.” purpose of the EAB is to create a bond students involved.” She began at an at the early age of 13, by between Spelman and the community. The

t. I. H Spelman Spotlight Page 6 SISTER TO SISTER The Randomness of Tragedy

By Askhari Auset (Carliss Johnson)

I can’t remember the last time she said very hungry by this time. I opened the door couldn’t talk. Cami called. People I didn't forth, back and forth. Abeni running out of goodbye to me. I can remember the last time and my roommate Toshia slammed the door even know were calling and being as insensi­ the chapel. Eric gazing at her physical re­ 1 saw her, but I can’t remember her very last shut in my face. I was not in the mood. I tive as hell. mains as if they were going to once again words to me. If I had known what was to started to get angry. “Girl did you hear?” Click. going to take on movement. Sonya pacing in come, I guess I would have cherished that “She probably has a man in there,” I “How did it happen?” Click the parking lot of the funeral home. The tear very last word, and the smile she always stated. “What did she look like?” Click. I know I saw coming from Tammy’s left eye flashed as she walked out of the house. “Something is wrong, Carliss,” Femi "Who the hell was this Tammy girl?” as she lay in the box. The wax falling of the If I could just remember the last goodbye, whispered. A half-minute later, Toshia came Click. wicks of my purple candles as they came to an I could rest, and stop being so obsessed. Am back and opened the door. I entered and was How could they talk about her in the past end. I obsessed, or is it normal to still be in a state about to throw a fit. My purple candles were tense so soon? Joette called, very distraught. Everything past and present whirled of disbelief... normal to be angry at her for lit. Nobody lights my candles. I just couldn't I couldn’t talk to her, not about Tammy. I around relentlessly in my head. People were falling asleep... normal to stutter when I say believe Toshia was burning my candles. She went into the corner of the kitchen and started talking, but nothing made sense. her name... normal to shiver when I drive past was always invading my space. Before I to cry. After a couple of minutes, I called “I’m going to look for Tammy.” the spot where it happened... normal to think could turn around and confront Toshia, she Doug. I never got past hello. “She simply fell asleep.” about her everyday. And I have thought about spoke. “Carliss, we’ll come and get you, okay?” "Tammy Simmons was killed today." her every day since that day. "You guys better sit down.” I put my I nodded as if he could see me. I hung up. “I didn’t feel her die." I remember going to Femi’s room around book bag in the recliner, and started to sit Lorena called immediately after to see if I “Something’s wrong.” 1:00, after my final. We had been up all night down. I thought Toshia had messed up some­ needed a ride. I went into the bathroom, got “It wasn’t Tammy.” studying, so Femi and I took our usual “sleep thing in my room or had eaten the last morsel a roll of toilet tissue, and stuffed it into my “Did you know Tammy died today?" until Jeff gets done with dinner nap.’’ At of food Femi and I had left in the refrigerator. bag. Why was I being so practical at a time “Chaurice, I wouldn't lie to you. She’s about 3:30, I woke up with this cramp in my I didn't know what was wrong. Toshia is so like this? gone.” stomach. I thought I was hungry. I was. 1 am dramatic. She looked in my eyes and I be­ The phone rang incessantly. Why was “Tammy is coming back.” always hungry. I shook Femi. came alarmed. I thought about my other everyone calling? What did they want me to “But, her voice is on my answering "Femi let’s go get some movies and head roommate. say? After what seemed like months, Doug machine!” home. I’m hungry.” Femi, sweet molasses “Where's Tomika? Toshia where’s and Mondibo pulled up outside. The last "Be strong.” personified, got her stuff together and we Mikk? Is she hurt?” Toshia took my hand and thing I remember clearly is Mondibo. Doug, “Tammy would want you to cry.” walked to the West End. Heather, a Spelman Femi’s in hers. She did not hesitate. Femi and I embracing in a circle, door open, “I want to touch her.” sister, saw us walking and picked us up. She "Tammy Simmons was killed today.” heads down, crying. "It’s the last thing you can do for her took us to get movies and she took us home, There was a pause as the words traveled Everything else is in frozen fragments. now." since we lived so close to school. Heather let from my ears to wherever words of this nature Almost like photographs not actually taken. What was the last thing I did for you? us out at the beginning of the complex. I are supposes to go. Femi began to cry. Trina running toward me with tears in her Damn Tammy, when was the last time you remember walking down Belmont Drive “Who killed my sister?" 1 guessed that eyes as I walked through the back gate. Heather said goodbye. I can’t remember.. I can't stop watching the sun come out. It had been she had been attacked. laughing hysterically. The psychologist shak­ trying to remember. raining earlier, I looked at the pool wondering "She was in an automobile accident. It ing her head when I told her that it was Maybe she'll see this one day and whis­ what it would look like Saturday. We were happened at the Ashby Street exit. That’s all someone else in the car. Aretha standing in per goodbye as the wind blows east toward having an “after final exams cookout/pool 1 know.” I jumped up and ran to the kitchen. the corner taking deep deliberate breaths. the rising sun. And maybe one morning the party.” Tammy was bringing two large grills, I called my father as if he could straighten this Akil beating the wall. Lyndrina falling to the wind will rush carelessly through my hair and and Doug and Jeff were going to supply the mess out. I tried calling campus so someone floor. Kevin crumpling up in Sam’s arms. her voice will escape and embrace my ear. chicken. could tell me what was going on, but before I Ms. Alma Simmons, Tammy’s mother, wail­ And so I’m waiting for that day, when she We were giggling about always eating could dial the number, the phone rang. ing over her only child. The pain in Danny's says goodby Askhari. I'm waiting for the day chicken, but before we walked into the house. It was Lore, she was crying. She told me face when I realized that we never felt Tammy when I can say: Goodbye Tammy. Femi tensed. I was in a hurry because I was to come to Manley Center. I said I would. I die. Hanif rocking back and forth, back and

Just Around the Corner: Europe 1992 has implications for everyone

By Chaurice Corbin catalyst for trade disputes. Spelmanites Chaurice Corbin C’90 and In light of the proposed unification, Tara Addison C’90 were both 1989 Time American firms are actively seeking to satu­ scholars. Ms. Addison was a publisher of rate the European market. Stanley Crosick, their in-house publication Time By Interns. chairman of E&L Belmont, a Brussels based This article is reprinted with permissionfrom consulting group, encourages American Cor­ Time. porations to merge with Europeans. He states, In the midst of a business environment “If 1992 happens, you’re prepared by merg­ that seems to foster corporate mergers and ing; if not, you're more competitive in any acquisitions, it comes as no surprise that case.” numerous companies have merged un the Corporate giant General Electric is lead­ hope of expanding their sphere of influence. ing the pack. GE and their unrelated British No one imagined , however, that a group of competitor, General Electric Co., announced European countries with a cross-section of plans to merge their European consumer and political and cultural ideologies, would merge medical equipment groups. Coca-Cola re­ to create a multi-national conglomerate with Photo: Jocelyn Coleman vised its organizational chart to put more the potential of becoming an economic super­ Time Scholars Chaurice Corbin and Tara Addison, C’90 emphasis on the European community. The power. soft drink giant has begun construction in In an ambitious attempt to forge a more France on the world’s largest canning plant. united and economically competitive Europe vary within the community, thereby making it easily between Britain and Greece without Whirlpool has upped its ante by entering into by 1992, members of the European Economic easier and less costly for goods to be traded in penalty or increased cost to the consumer or a $2 billion European joint venture. Commission (EEC) have devised a plan that other markets. The plan, if carried through acting corporation. Whatever the outcome of the unification will eliminate barriers to the free flow of successfully, will make business a less cum­ The unification of Europe will certainly plan, the changes that have emerged out of money and financial services between states. bersome process for member nations. be advantageous for those European firms Europe are testimony to the fact that we are The brainchild behind the massive unifica­ Barriers that once existed throughout existing within the community, but American living in a highly competitive and global ori­ tion plan Jacques Delores, president of the Europe will be dismantled in order to create firms that are not established before 1992 are ented society. No one knows what the future EEC. Delores proposed the "radical” pack­ an environment conducive to inter-European at great risk. According to US representative will bring, but with fierce competition from age that called for the restructuring of Eu­ trade. Trucks will be able to travel from Clayton Yeutter, “The implications of 1992 Japan and an ambitious Delores who is deter­ rope’s business community. The proposed Denmark to Belgium, and goods and services for the US are far more serious than people mined to make Europe economically com­ package includes a plan which will eliminate which at one time had adhered to several realize.” Yeutter finds the plan less benign in petitive, America can be assured that its posi­ trade barriers and technical standards that regulations standards, will be able to flow practice than in principle, for it could be a tion in the global community will challenged. Spelman Spotlight Page 7 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Treasures at the High

By Laura Brown

Art is a subject many of us take for represents the artist’s most sophisticated 5:00 p.m. and until 9:00 p.m. every Wednes­ granted. However, art affects every aspect of development of Impressionism. It is also day; Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m. closed Mon­ our daily lives. Art can take on many forms, important to note that Renoir’s masterpiece is day. General admission is $4; $2 for college from the paintings we pass by in Alma Up­ on loan for the first time. Other major artists students with identification and senior citi­ shaw, to the loose change we have in our represented at this exhibition include, Edgar zens; $1 for students 6-17,and free for chil­ pockets,to the buildings in which we attend Degas (1834-1917), Frans Hals (c. 158.0- dren under 6 and Museum members. There classes. Art is a time table, representing visual 1666). William Hogarth (1697-1764) and Sir will be an additional fee of $2 for the exhibi­ fragments of history. Its physical elements Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641). tion, "Treasures From The Fitzwilliam Mu­ are reminders of the time and a cultural link to The history behind the Fitzwilliam seum." our collective past. Museum is an interesting one. A wealthy For recorded information on all High “Treasures from the Fitzwilliam Museum: nobleman, Richard, Seventh Viscount Fitzwil­ Museum programs, call 892-HIGH. The Increase Of Learning And Other Great liam of Merrion (1745-1816), left both his art Objects,” is praised for its diversity and qual­ collection and his library to Cambridge Uni­ “Death on a Pale Horse” (ca. 1800) by William Blake will be on view Feb. 20 through May 6, 1990, in the exhibition “Treasures ity with works ranging from the ancient versity in 1810. While Lord Fitzwilliam from the Fitzwilliam Museum” at the High Museum of Art in Egyptian head of King Ammenemes III, to a donated hundreds of musical and illuminated More at the High Atlanta. significant painting by Auguste Renior. This manuscripts, European paintings, prints and Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Cost: $6 general and $3 for exhibition, critically acclaimed throughout sculpture, to the museum to house them, he For those who enjoy contemporary music, Museum members. the United States, will be at the High Museum was not the only benefactor. Since 1816, the "Focus XX: Music of our time,” a two-part For those interested in art and the treas­ of Art at 1280 Peachtree St., N.E., February museum has been enlarged by other bequests musical series focusing on southeast musical ures of Africa, an African art course will be 20 through May 6, 1990. and gifts. accomplishments, will be held February 11 at offered on Mondays from March 12 through Almost every medium and epoch in the The exhibition and national tour are 7:30 pm. and Sunday February 25 at 7:30 pm. April 2 from 7:30 to 9:30. Material covered history of art will be represented in this exhi­ sponsored by the Phillip Morris Companies, Tickets: $10 for the public. $7 for students includes the art of ancient African kingdoms bition of highlights from the Fitzwilliam Inc. which began supporting the arts in 1958. and senior citizens and $6 for Museum and the people of Yoruba, Dogon,, Ashanti, Museum of Cambridge University. It fea­ Since then, the company has developed one of members. and Baule. Cost: $50 for Museum members, tures 160 choice objects from the collection, the country’s most comprehensive corporate Lectures include Professor Michael Jaffe, students and senior citizens and $65 for non­ including coins, sculpture, manuscripts, paint­ cultural programs. Phillip Morris funds con­ the director of the Fitzwilliam Museum of members. ings, drawings, prints .and objects from the temporary and minority visual and perform­ Cambridge University, on Feb. 21, 8 p.m. In celebration of Black History Month, Orient and Near East. ing arts, as well as a host of other exhibitions Cost: $6 general admission, $4 students, $3 the High presents a tour entitiled "The While there are many notable objects in and tours. children 6-17 and $2 museum members and Spirit in African Art”, on Saturday, February the exhibition, one special attraction is Re­ The High Museum of Art is open on children under six. Also, Anton Furst, the pro­ 10, at 2:00 p.m. noir's, “La Place Clichy” (c.1880) which Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to duction designer of the film “Batman” on — Kimara Mason AROUND “Fences” TOWN By Tayari A. Jones By AHegra Lawrence August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and admiration of his wife and the respect of his ment at being denied entrance into the major AROUND TOWN is dedicated to Tony Award winning play, Fences will be son. leagues to illustrate how a basically good keeping you informed of ongoing events Though many of the actors’ faces were person can react to oppression by oppressing playing at the Alliance Theatre until Febru­ in the metro Atlanta area. Check them ary 18. The play has received such profuse familiar, it was difficult to imagine them the people he loves most and being thrust into out! critical acclaim that the actors are faced playing any other roles than those in which a cycle of unhappiness. The theme of a Wednesday series of with the seemingly insurmountable task of they were cast in Fences. John Henry Red­ The Maxons live on the eve of the civil noontime videos at the Central Atlanta- meeting the expectations of an audience wood was brilliant in the role of Troy Maxon rights movement. Fences demonstrates just Fulton Public Library is “Black America which is prepared to view a masterpiece. which was formerly acted by James Earl one example of the frustration and pain which Emerges”. This seven week program, The stellar cast, directed by Kenny Leon, Jones. One doubts if Jones was able to be led to the explosion of the 1960’s. beginning February 14, gives an over­ realized their goal! more convincing. Bill Nunn acted the role of In light of the fact that college students view of Black America from slavery to Fences is an intense drama about the a starving Blues artist in the 1950’s so vividly operate on limited time and money, I pay Vietnam. For more info:730-1728... broken dreams of an embittered former that the audience forgot that he was ever Fences the greatest of all compliments when Dr. Maulana Karenga, Creator of Negro league baseball player. Troy Radio Raheem of Do the Right Thing. I assert that it is a worthwhile way to spend the Kwanzaa, will speak at Shrine of the Maxon’s failure to cross the color line into Aside from the play’s appeal as enter­ evening and the $15 for the ticket! Black Madonna Bookstore (946 the major leagues threatens to shatter all he tainment, it is important as a sociological Gordon St.), February 9 at 7:30 p.m. has worked for: his home in Pittsburgh, the document. Wilson uses Maxon’s disappoint- Admission is $5...“Melodies that Move”, a supper show on stage, will be presented at the Samaritan Annex (next to St. Luke's Episcopal Church), Feb­ ruary 16-18 and 23-35, Fridays and Book Review: Imago Saturdays at 7 pm for $15 and Sundays at 3pm for $7. For information: 873- 5427...Lily Tomlin will bring her Tony Award-winning performance in THE By Andrea M. Wren SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLI­ usual, unnoticeable and unexpected from the humans causes excruciating physical and GENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE to the Octavia E. Butler is the only published beginning of the book as he subconsciously mental pain once they have mated. Fox Theatre for seven performances Black woman science fiction writer. This fact becomes an ooloi. Jodahs' mates as well as his mates February 21 - February 25. Tickets are in itself is phenomenal. Not only is she the Ooloi are third gender essential to breed ‘kindred’ have a disease. The colony that on sale by calling 873-4300, SEATS outlets, and the Fox Box Office, Prices best known Black female science fiction humans and aliens. No construct had ever Jodahs' mates belong to is discovered and vary... fantasy writer but, this is how she makes her become ooloi. As such, other Oankali wanted taken over by the Oankali and in the natural “Les Miserables” will return to At­ living. Each one of her books, from Pat­ Jodahs banned because instead of healing he order of life on the Lo entity the people will be lanta for two weeks, April 3 - April 15. ter nmaster, Mind ofMy Mind, Survivor, Clay’s could cause genetic mishaps such as cancer or healed of all genetic disorders. There is no Tickets are on sale at all SEATS outlets Ark, Wild Seed, Kindred, Dawn, and ending need for the existence of pain on Lo. Though, cause irreparable damage to the living land of and the Fox Theatre Box Offices. Call some humans choose pain and illness rather with Adulthood Rites is an intricate web which Lo. Butler writes, “Perhaps it would be so 873-4300 for information, group sales, the reader becomes pleasurably entangled in. dangerous that it would have to spend its ex­ than mate or live with people who seemingly or to charge tickets...Agnes Scott Col­ Butler’s latest book, Imago, is no excep­ istence in suspended animation, its body used have no ‘humanity.’ lege and the Negro Ensemble Company tion. She goes beyond plot, imagery, setting by others for painless experimentation, its Octavia E. Butler’s writing is powerful in present “From the Missippi Delta,” in and symbolism to create a futuristic world consciousness permanently shut off.” that it is from the unique perspective/view- celebration of Black History Month. The that is eerie yet beautiful and most impor­ Jodahs, his five parents and siblings go point of a Black woman. And unlike rapid performance will be February 22 at 8:15 tantly believable. Imago is the last book in the into exile. During exile Jodahs finds mates enclosure for Wright' s B igger Thomas, Petry ’ s p.m...The Second Annual Field Day for trilogy which begins with Dawn, the Xeno- (something essential to ooloi survival). Ooloi Lutie Johnson and Naylor's ‘Women’ of our community will be April 28,1990 at genesis, and Adulthood Rites. can survive without air and food but humans Brewster Place, in this futuristic world walls the Herndon Stadium at Morris Brown. The central figure, Jodahs, is a Human- and love are two elements that the ooloi can open as well as come tumbling down....at the It is expected that 1,000 AUC students, bom construct. His metamorphosis is un­ not do without. Separation for ooloi and touch of a hand. professionals and senior citizens will at­ tend. Spelman Spotlight Page 8 EXPRESSIONS

How does one mourn? Does she cry, who took my life; “my old man Family Reunion scream, curse the gods, beat the walls, sink My death, believed in working into depression, or does she write? How does in the fields.” she express herself? under investigation, it was a church This issue's Expressions is dedicated to inconceivable. “my old man usta...” we talked about the future everyone who has had to mourn a loved one. With immunity and no charges i listened at your funeral The Spotlight requested poetry from the AL'C for all involved. as you alleviated the pain as we had an impromptu family community on this subject. Consequently, Now, was it worth it? and healed. reunion. most of the material received was in memory “my old man it was a chance to make amends- of Joel Harris. The Spotlight reiterates that would plant rebuild family ties. these poems do not necessarily reflect the —Steve Glass views of the editorial staff. greens and okra.” it was a realization “my old man had calloused hands.” that yes life is precious “my old man loved the land.” and short as there is Resting ground i listened M fine thread Cause of Death was not understood between i had heard of death as you mourned fife and death. NATURAL yet, it had never touched in you manly way. it was a place to talk (In memory of Joel Harris) my life. about the future now, i turn upon the hand —Andrea Wren and how you took away your own. Brothers, on my shoulder if you do not and look Undying Beauty ■PI ' —Andrea Wren become into the valley... conscious i want to reach out 1 sometimes wish I had of anything in this life, and touch you; % never Let me Go! understand that but, it’s a soulless body, swallowed a true i mourn death your large loving eyes I watched you as you made your wave accident or maybe life with my own I took from you each time you gave, is something as we travel had never cared listened closely to your cry- over which we have to the resting ground, about your smile Then, willingly-I let you die. no control, i lay my head back If I could recreate the past You’ve given now a life so new —(Cttrliss Johnson) Askhari Auset for the tears are too much to bear, I would never have craved your Yet still I wish I just had you. still, they drop as rain, voice You taught me Love- You gave me in suspension you see glee. your body lay these things are gone When I was blind- You made me see. 4 Joel, the 42nd person over a man hole now I followed steps you made before- to die of this madness to they only And took a vow to walk no more. be distracted Your dreams are dead and you are The tragedy is not that he dies before lowered me from your free... the sun rose in non physical beauty To think you did it all for me. The tragedy is not that the case is the and I can’t even f ****•*.. x.. Now in return my drefems are bright closed ground. remember My hopes are high and goals in sight. The tragedy is not that he died at the what you look like —Andrea Wren hands of a brother anymore. But still there’s something left The tragedy is not that an only child unknown I was buried by his mother V —(Carliss Johnson) Askhari Auset What was I left to do alone? i The tragedy is not that it WSs I Who am I now? Who were you them? involuntary manslaughter The Threat of Death Would I be blind to walk again? The tragedy is not that our eyes know I thought I’d learned but shadows fly... I fan African Woman only water BROTHERHOOD? I view myself and now ask why. should want just a The tragedy is not that the brothers w Was it you who set my guidelines sane an productive life, met Another brother died senselessly clear? and that woman happens to be me, The tragedy is not that we will all Late one Tuesday night I know you’re gone, but still you're would her God “love” forget People gather in remembrance, here. her so much that The tragedy is that it will happen again. reacting tenderly- When will you die? When will I live? her life be interrupted by death? Having no real clue why their hearts It's freedom now that you should give. She cannot find a —(Carliss Johnson) Askhari Auset are tom. I loved you dearly, but you’re gone. soul to blame, Anyway, another brother died Why don't you just leave me alone? or any One to justify senselessly. I’m ready to fly, I'm ready to shine. the cruelties. Death Please don’t justify their actions Yet still you think your dreams are It would be just but mine. her luck that she i had to tell myself Having an inquiry will not bring Let go-dear mother-I mourn to fly. be “loved” so by her God that it was the end him back to us. I think it’s time you finally die! and i'd never see you that it would all be It’s obvious that it’s the ruthlessly taken away. you’d never walk again responsibility of one faction. —Kalia Spears upright So, an African woman, All of these so-called “traditions” as a man. who happens to be me. have been practiced i had to tell myself; g lies in state, for many years. yell at my pain prematurely embalmed Let us now repudiate ourselves from rational ize the phenomena- ’ gn by all who drop off around her these rituals. i’d never see you again. as she waits for her “blessing” Please listen when I say that our \ Next month's theme is Black l.ove. a death she does not lack of sensitivity is Write about Black Love, and since every —Andrea M. Wren welcome. my greatest fear. month is African-American Month you may Having already forgotten the write about your love for African-Americans. —M. Joette Harland PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR POEMS. seriousness of this crime SHORT STORIES. AND ESSAYS TO: Was It Worth It? All that lies before us in our future are more tears. SPELMAN CoflteGE, P.O. BOX 1234 I pledge allegiance (untitled) ATLANTA, GA. 30314 to the fraternity —Steve Glass DRAWINGS ARE ALSO WELCOME. of my own free choice i listened And to my big brothers Spelman Spotlight Page 9 CONTAX keeps you up award poetry prizes worth $44,000 to 608 school faculty, the first GMAC-AACSB to date on opportunities poets. Poets may enter up to 6 poems, no more Minority Summer Institute will be held June happening in Atlanta and than 20 lines each, name and address on each 10-July 20 at the University of Michigan at Off Campus... around the country. Appli­ page, to American Poetry Association, Dept. Ann Arbor. Students selected will have all cations may be picked up on CO-30, 250-A Potrero St., P.O. Box 1803, expenses paid and receive a stipend of $2,500 (continued from page 1) the door of the Spotlight Santa Cruz, CA 95061. while being granted six credit hours. For info: office on the lower con­ Journalism: The Ralph McGill Scholar­ (213) 478-1433. Call collect... The Cornell campus, went to get her mail. When course of Manley Center. ship Fund offers scholarships to students who National Supercomputer Facility's (CNSF) returning from the mailboxes, she heard The Arts: The Georgia have completed at least two years of college sponsors a program for undergraduate re­ someone running behind her. Not want­ Council for the Arts (GCA) and have demonstrated an abiding interest in search. Application deadline is March 23. ing to be knocked down, she turned to sponsors free state-wide newspapering. Applications are due by May For info, or to obtain an application: Donna move out of the way. Instead of passing, grant seminars for Georgia 1.. .Howard University Press Book Publish­ Smith, Conference Coordinator, (800)346- the runner grabbed her and threw her on artists in the revised Indi­ ing Institute offers basic training in book 2673.. .Coors B re wing Company Today spon­ the grass on the side of her apartment vidual Artists Grants cate­ publishing skills from May 29-June 29. sors the 1990 Coors Veterans' Memorial building. She was just two doors away gory. Atlanta seminars will Applications are due April 12, but those inter­ Scholarship Fund, which will award $500,000 from home. The only thing she could be February 22 at 7 p.m. and ested are encouraged to apply immediately. in scholarships to at least 100 sons and daugh­ hear was a male voice saying, “ Shut up, February 23 at 2 p.m. at the For applications: Avis A. Taylor, Program ters of American veterans worldwide. For shut up, I have a knife.” Fearing for her life, the young woman screamed as loud Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St., Administrator, Howard University Press, applications: (800)-49COORS...International NW. For more information, call 493- Book Publishing Institute, 2900 Van Ness St., Marketers Inc. is hiring persons with a back­ as she could, fought to get away as hard as she was able to, and after breaking 5780.. .1mage Film/Video Center sponsors NW, Washington, D.C. 20008...The Rolling ground in telephone sales. Call 872-9255,9- workshops on various aspects of film produc­ Stone College Journalism Competition 6, for further information... The Medical free, ran as fast as she could. tion from January through April. For a sched­ sponsors a contest to college newspaper or College of Georgia is currently recruiting Attacks, rapes and abductions are most definitely on the rise in this area. ule and to receive an registration form, call magazine writers. Entry forms can be picked college students for the 1990 summer enrich­ Even though we cannot control the ac­ 352-4225...The National Shakespeare Con­ up at the Spotlight office. For information, ment program in the health sciences. Appli­ tions of others, steps can be taken to servatory in New York City will audition John Jordan (212)350-1221. cation deadline is March 15. To find out more ensure our safety. Things such as always actors on February 4 in Atlanta. Call (800) Service: Camp Breathe Easy, operated or to request an application: Dr. Thomas F. walking with a friend at night, locking 472-6667 for further information and an by the American Lung Association, seeks McDonald, (404) 721-2522...The University your car door at all times, and parking audition appointment... A Dance Arts Organi­ volunteers to serve as camp counselors June of New Orleans will sponsor its International your car in lighted areas can give you zation in metro Atlanta seeks an Administra­ 9-15. For more information, call 872- Summer School in Innsbruck, Austria this added protection. tive Director with a background in business 9653.. .The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library summer. All instruction is in English. Enroll­ The young lady said that because and the Arts. Mail resume to: Total Dance needs literacy volunteers to teach people to ment is limited, so interested persons should she could not identify the assailant, there Theater, Inc., P.O. Box 3411, Atlanta, GA read. Call 730-1963. apply as soon as possible. was not much the police could do. Un­ 30302.. . Misc.: For minority students interested For more information: (504)286-7116. fortunately, the man will never be pun­ The American Poetry Association will in pursuing the Ph.D and careers as business - Allegra Lawrence ished for his crime. The woman says she has learned something important from this experience and shehopes others learn Forum on Interracial Relationships also. “You don’t realize how people can be watching you.” she warns. “You may think you are safe but you can be subject By Sabrina Bradford to violent acts. I had this feeling that it could not happen to me. Now I know, On Tuesday, January 23, approximately Broomes, and Rohaven Richards; the mem­ white women as cocaine and continued the and hope everyone knows, these things 200 students gathered in and around the new bers of the opposition were Fanon Wilkins metaphor by stating the dangers he felt white can happen and I hope others won't have biochemistry building at Morehouse College and Kenneth Dunkin. The affirmative team women posed on Black men. to realize it the way I did.” for “Interracial Relationships: Their Debate opened the debate when Stephen Broomes As the debate progressed, several points Round 2” sponsored by the Morehouse Col­ asked “Are we as a people going to choose surfaced. Rohaven Richards of the affirma­ Contributing: Wendi Cleveland lege SGA. The affirmative team was com­ agape love or agape hate?’’ Kenneth Dunkin tive team cited statistics given by pychologist prised of three members: Trent Berry, Stephen opened for the opposition by referring to (continued on page 12)

Breakin’ it Down

(continued from page 4)

men were being lynched in the 19th century. the picture was the quote “Nothing like this implicit comparison being that people outside my office, issue my usual apologies to stu­ has ever happened to me before”. The “noth­ of the “complex” do value life more than dents for not having their papers graded just I think about the absolute pain that must have ing” was the “drive-by shooting” of seven- “real” status that they are capable of achiev­ yet, worry over a proposal that must be post­ devoured Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer and moved year old Terrell Weaver, her great-great grand­ ing. marked tomorrow, freeze when I see the edi­ to preach that black people live in Mississippi too, and yes, Mississippi is part of the larger son. Oh, by the way. A few pages over was an tor of the Spotlight coming toward me to ask According to the paper, Terrell was killed article about a white “elected” official who “is it ready yet?” And I do not feel like crying United States and subject to the same federal regulations as other states (not a popular idea just after leaving her home. The person who won his appeal to let an election stand in anymore. I do not hurt or feel pain (mine or in the state in the 1960’s), and to spend (and killed Terrell was also responsible for wound­ which his family members who did not live in anyone else’s). I am just too busy. risk) much of her life trying to insure that Af- ing three other children. The newspaper ac­ the district voted for him and other white There is a lull around 4:30pm when stu­ ricanamericans in Mississippi were repre­ count of the article suggested that the person individuals were voting using addresses where dents have either decided that there is no point sented politically. I then think about the pain, who did the shooting was angry about a drug houses no longer existed and white business­ in asking her again if the papers are ready and hurt, and sense of betrayal that pushed stu­ transaction that had allegedly occurred with men were voting using their business ad­ when I have decided that if the proposal is dents to gather signatures and write a letter to Terrell's father. Oh, by the way. Also on the dresses in a district that is 85 percent black ... postmarked tomorrow fine, and if not, that is a popular television “talk-show" host to tell front page was the headline: “MARTA talks and they were not among the 15 percent living fine too. I am sick and tired of the whole damn him that jokes at the expense of black woman­ of Rounding Fares Up to $1.” in the district. The court said the election thing. And during the lull, I pick up the news­ hood are not funny. We are not laughing. It was very difficult to finish reading the was...valid. Interesting. paper again - and I want to cry...again. So I come to the conclusion that walking story about Terrell Weaver and the other three So. I felt the tears coming. A student Now. I know that hurting does not change around in a "constant state of rage” (as a good children and his great-great grandmother and (whom I respect and care about a great deal) anything. Tears do not change anything ei­ friend of mine calls it) is not fun. It does not Terrell’s father and the boarded-up commu­ came over to my table, looked into my face ther. Needed are systematic, organized, revo­ feel good. It means that I will hurt a lot. It nity where mostly old people live. No one and asked me what was wrong. I began to tell lutionary agendas which define what is read means that I will have to confront the notion likes to hurt, and feeling other people’s pain her how depressing the news was this morn­ in the paper in ways that have not been popu­ that the drug story, the MARTA story and the just seems so... unnecessary, especially if you ing, and how could it all happen...And while lar (For example, perhaps we need to rethink election story are all the same story, and that are busy. So in search of good news, I turned I was not particularly articulate and focussed the ever-popular “role-model” panacea for all this is not a pleasant realization because then to the Metro section of the paper where there in my answer to her question, she got the basic social ills, big or small). And there was a great there are no easy answers (i.e. MARTA does is a color picture of black men and women point that I was not feeling good. Out of deal of good news last week (i.e. Dinkins and not need role-models). crying at the funeral of Renard Smith who concern for me she then told me that I really Wilder). But maybe not “busying” away incon­ was killed (along with another young man) by should start feeling better about it all. But yes, I guess this is an essay about what we do venient pain will also mean I am free to do the two older men they had “robbed a very few it is all very sad. Obviously feeling awkward when we hurt for other people, especially “impossible”, the courageous, the bold thing, days earlier”. Underneath the picture of people in stating the purpose of coming to my table in when those other people are us. While hurting the revolutionary thing. I certainly have models mourning was the picture of a young girl with the first place, she plunged into a request for does not change anything, I am certain that all around me (See, I do sometimes believe in a younger child on her hip walking past the a medical school recommendation. I said “accentuating the positive” alone does not the usefulness of models) of women empow­ blood splattered wall at the “complex” where fine. She will go to medical school, and she change anything either. While no news may ered by the pain they refused to anesthetized young Renard Smith was killed two days will do very well. be good news at times, there is no time when with busy schedules, drinks, a good movie, or before along with his young friend... etc. I feel the tears coming. And I do not want tragic news can be made less tragic by better rational explanations which make the uncon­ The article suggested that life in the them to come because who wants heavy eyes news. scionable seem...reasonable. Don’t worry, be “complex” had become “penny ante”, and so early in the morning when you have to face I think about the absolute hurt (that comes happy? “Let’s get busy” (a favorite phrase of people in the community do not value life as people all day who will be wondering why from a deep sense of outrage) that must have another great philosopher) and have a good much as the artificial status (artificial because you look so — bad. So I busy myself with my consumed Ida B. Wells to move her to make time? Maybe not this time. Not yet. There is it is status based on illegal transactions) that day. I listen to a wonderful student panel her life’s work (her life’s work) the collection work to do. can be achieved within that community (the presentation on reproductive rights. I go to of data documenting the extent to which black Spelman Spotlight Page 10 Study in Spain: a broadened perspective

sheltered people. It took living abroad for me witnessed classism functioning without ra­ I expected to gain knowledge of other to realize there are other ways of life that cism. The working class and the newly formed people and other cultures, but it never dawned function just as well as the one to which I am upper class, all white people, all striving to be on me that I would learn so much about accustomed. In gaining appreciation for the as “European” as possible. myself. I began to recognize just how respon­ importance and characteristics of various My time abroad sparked my interest in sible I am. Exploring an unknown place cultures from country to country, and from international affairs by exposing me on a where a language foreign to me is spoken, region to region within a country. I have personal and human level to what would gave me a sense of independence which I learned not to generalize about cultures as is ordinarily be foreign, removed, and there­ think is unique to that type of experience. It so often done in this country. I have learned fore, unimportant to me. Now, I am interested is quite a feeling to be confident about my to respect culture. in what is happening in the world. I do not ability to take care of myself just about any­ I had considered myself to be one of the skip over the international section of the where. few Americans that was open to other cul­ newspaper any more. I read not only about While abroad. I changed in ways I doubt tures. Then I found myself making compari­ the places I visited, but about most foreign I could have by staying here. Being taken out sons to home, misinterpreting cultural and issues. I feel an interconnection of people, of my familiar "context", being comfortable social differences, good and bad. according to regardless of language and cultural differ­ with myself when everything around me was what was familiar to me. 1 finally came to ap­ ences. foreign gave me a new spirit of self-confi­ preciate Spain, as well as the other countries The process of communication is some­ dence. Learning to speak, as well as under­ Photo: Jocelyn R. Coleman I visited, for the uniqueness of each culture. thing else taken for granted in this country. stand Spanish, is something I do not think I Lori Robinson. C’90 I learned so much about Spain. I had One of the reasons we do not compete as well could have done without being immersed in been guilty of making assumptions about as we could in international markets may be it. By learning the language. I have a whole By Lori Robinson Spaniards based on their classifications as our inability to communicate with foreigners. new insight into Hispanic cultures. Now European and Hispanic, and on their once- I gained an appreciation for the importance of when in Hispanic countries orneighborhoods, Lori Robinson, a senior English major, powerful colonial strength. I discovered learning a language other than one's own. It my experience will automatically be more studied in Spain for the 1988-89 academic vestiges of colonialism in paternalistic atti­ is something children learn at a young age in enriched than someone who does not speak year. tudes towards my Puerto Rican friends, and in other countries, something that should be Spanish because language is such an intrinsic First and foremost, I must acknowledge racism towards Gypsies. Another clue: Chris­ required learning here. part of culture. that I have been very blessed. My study topher Columbus is still one of their most I learned about the power of the media My study abroad experience has made abroad experience was very positive in al­ celebrated national heroes. and realized how far-reaching and powerful this world both smaller and larger for me. most every aspect of my life. I am lucky not I also saw a side of the Spanish com­ the American media is. I found that so many Seeng places I never thought I would see, only to have had the opportunity to study pletely new to me. The effects of a very tragic of the prejudices and misconceptions about meeting people from places I may never have abroad, but also to attend an institution where civil war are still felt. Spain is a democratic different races, most specifically Black people, heard of. made other worlds real. Coming students are encouraged to do so. I especially infant, still struggling to function smoothly have been shaped by American movies and face to face with so much “new" humanity want to thank Dr. Ganz for her tireless encour­ without an autocrat. Due to these two factors, television programs. I was personally af­ makes the world seem smaller. Then, the agement and support from pre-departure to they are a people of wounded pride, not yet fected by the "exotic" myth, and witnessed more I learn about different people and places, re-adjustment. fully accepted as Europeans culturally or assumptions about Blacks, crime and drugs as the more I realize there is more to learn the As citizens of the States, we are very politically by the rest of the continent. I three naturally interrelated concepts. world seems infinite.

WAGA examines racism in TV special

By Aretha Hankinson

In Souls of Black Folk (1903), W. E. B. to examine racial attitudes in the metro area estate brokers explained the "white flight" andWhite,” annoyed with what was going on Du Bois prophetically stated that “the prob­ through a special forum, "Atlanta in Black phenomenon in racially mixed neighborhoods. around me. In one corner Dukes was garner­ lem of the Twentieth Century is the problem and White". Set in the format of a town All in a city “too busy to hate," and where, ing too much attention for his educated big­ of the color line". Eighty-seven years later in meeting, the special consisted of an invited according to Dick Williams, "race relations, otry, and in the other Dr. Phillips was rele­ 1990, America has yet to come to terms with audience and a panel of guests. The panel historically, are better than they 've ever been." gated to talking to herself about issues the divisions and discord in society based solely included Spelman professor Dr. Mona Phil­ Dr. Phillips was careful not to fall into the general public is unwilling to face. Host and on race. lips, NAACP regional director Earl Shinhol- trap of focusing simply on the surface issue of WAGA anchor Brenda Wood stated that she Due to recent events such as the mail ster, Atlanta columnists Jeff Dickerson and interracial relationships, and instead chose to knew no solutions would be found in a one bombings in the south, the Hawkins murder in Dick Williams, and former Kian leader David bring attention to the systems that encourage hour show, she just wanted to "spark conver­ New York and the Stuart murder in Boston, Dukes. and promote racial strife. At that point Lou­ sation". Talking about the issue is good, but national attention has been placed on race Through clips prepared by anchors isiana Senator Dukes blasted the panel as when are we going to stop talking and start relations in America. The main thrust of dis­ Brenda Wood and John Marler the audience “liberal hypocrites", engaged in a shouting acting? We need to realize the more we talk cussion is directed towards whether Blacks was shown a neighborhood in Stone Moun­ match with Shinholster, and demanded equal­ about what is wrong, and not look for solu­ and whites are living next to each other, tain that has taken few steps toward racial ity for white people —all in a successful effort tions, specials like "Atlanta in Black and visiting each other — in simple terms, do harmony. Elementary age children inter­ to redirect discussion of institutionalized White" will be with us into the twenty-first African-Americans and whites like each other? viewed for the special revealed peer pressure racism. century. Atlanta television station WAGA set out against socializing across racial lines; real I sat in the audience of "Atlanta in Black

Acquaintance Rape: A hidden epidemic on many campuses

(continued from page 1) Students at Black experience. “Women are reluctant to report Friends should try to remind the victim that She also acknowledges many people’s this kind of crime because they are ashamed she is a “good person to whom something bad reluctance to seek a psychologist. She asserts Colleges are not Immune or embarrassed. They blame themselves and has happened." that “it is a sign of strength to seek help, not a don't tell anyone because they feel like they * She may have trouble trusting anyone, sign of weakness." She says that seeking The Howard University Hilltop reported have done something wrong." even close friends. These is because she no counselling is analogous to seeing a dentist. that a vendor previously contracted by several Ms. Allwood gives some advice for stu­ longer considers herself to be a good judge "When you have a toothache, the time comes University organizations was arrested on dents who have undergone this traumatic of character. when you realize that home remedies just November 30, 1989 for the rape of a Howard experience. "Talk to someone you can trust. * She will have considerable difficulty aren’t working. At this point, you rush to a freshman in late September. Dwight Bell, 27, Go to the counselling center or to a rape being comfortable dating. dentist without any hesitation. Well, some­ was arrested after the police department’s sex support group." She admits that this advice * She may have fear of going out alone. times you have a problem and after weeks of squad branch gathered statements from sev­ may be difficult to follow because many rape * She may have trouble relating to sexual trying to work it out, you still feel pain or eral students who accused Bell of similar victims have difficulty trusting anyone enough partners. stress. Then it’s time to get some help. attacks. According to the Hilltop, all of the to tell their stories. Furthermore, she urges The Counselling Center is located in victims said the attacks occurred after a date them to go to the hospital for a physical If it happens to you Me Vicar Infirmary. The number is 681-1322 with Bell. He is suspected of assaulting some examination, which allows them to be treated or 681-3643, ext. 496. If you need help, just 12-15 women on campus. for any injuries and tested for any sexually Victims of rape should realize that the call. Someone will probably be able to talk What about on Spelman’s campus? transmitted diseases. Also, once the victim only way to deal with the trauma and pain with you immediately. If not. you can make According to Rosemary Allwood, interim has undergone the examination, there is a which comes as a result of rape is to see a an appointment. Remember, the counsellors director of a counseling service at Spelman, record of the assault. counsellor or to join a rape support group. "If are here to help you. few students come to the counselling center Friends of the victim should be aware of you are uncomfortable with group therapy, with reports of rape. She says this does not the effects of rape. you may come for individual counselling," mean that only a few people have had this * Many victims blame themselves. stresses Ms. Alwood. Spelman Spotlight Page 11 ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT Spelmanite Rocks the “House”

By Jocelyn R. Coleman

“I quit my job, sold everything and be interested in working with the movie. board player in Alexander O’Neil’s all-girl “Tisha is my ace.” moved." “At the time I was still working in the band in the video, “Criticize.” On the phone one day, A.J. and Tisha “I actually had a sale on Spelman’s business but not fully. I was going to work in She was also a principle girl in Morris discovered that they were scheduled to read campus. I set up in McAlpin Hall and I sold New York and Miami on the weekends and Day’s “Fishnet" video. Her choreography on the same day for the same movie - “House clothes, radios, shoes — anything I could sell doing background work with Jermaine Ste­ career kicked off as a result of working with Party." They were scheduled to audition to get some more money to move to LA,” says wart while working at Georgia Tech during Paula Abdul in the video for the former bass with two different girls at the same time. A.J. Johnson - Spelman alumna and star of the week,” A.J. says. She auditioned for player for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and “We thought wouldn't this be great if we New Line Cinema’s “House Party,” to be “School Daze" when they came to Atlanta the Time, St. Paul, - “Rich Man." The pro­ could audition together," A.J. says. “So we released in early March. but didn’t hear anything else about it for a duction company that did the video asked A.J. went through the script and helped each other The movie headlines rap group Kid ‘N’ while. to choreograph a video they were presently in case we got to do it together." Play , production team Full Force and come­ Around this time A.J. realized that by the working on. The girls who were suppose to read for dian Robin Harris who played Sweet Dick time auditions came to Atlanta, most of the The first video A.J. choreographed was the parts with A.J. and Tisha were both late. Willie in “Do the Right Thing.” In “House major parts had already been cast. “One of Paul Jackson Jr.’s “I Came To Play" where A.J. recalls, “We went in together, jammed Party”, Play throws a party when his parents my Atlanta agents told me that if I was really she also played a cheerleader. She continued the audition and we got the movie.” go out of town and Kid, on punishment from A.J. brought Tisha with her to visit Spel­ his father, creeps out to attend. man during Morehouse’s Homecoming in According to writer-director Reginald October. “She knew that it was a really Hudlin, “House Party” is important because special thing here." A.J. remembers. “She “it portrays Black teenagers as fully devel­ was so overwhelmed with the unity, the sis­ oped characters, not stereotypes." terhood - the blackness'." A.J., a former Miss Maroon & White and Plans after House Party include choreog­ Miss Black Collegiate, plays the role of flirta­ raphy for the dancers of “Living Color" a new tious Sharane who according to A.J. “is a lot Fox television show created and produced by sassier than I am but I put myself into the Keenan Ivory Wayans, producer of the movie character,” she laughs, “and Sharane also “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” Other projects loves to dance so that was right up my alley.” are being negotiated. A.J. started cultivating her dancing and So far in her career A.J. says she hasn’t acting talents while growing up 45 minutes bumped into many Spelmanites at auditions. from New York City in Fair Haven, N.J. However, she has come across Spelmanites going into town for dance and acting classes on the administrative and executive levels on the weekends . She adds that she also and as lawyers and doctors in the city. Re­ gained a wealth of knowledge from working gardless, she tells her Spelman sisters reach­ A. J., Kid, Tisha and Play jam at the party. A. J. and Tisha are best friends on screen ing for the big screen and anything else to with Lamar Alford, former artist-in-residence and off. at Morehouse College and simply “experi­ “Have faith in God that it is there for you and ence." interested in a career in show business I was to choreograph videos for Levert, New Edi­ believe that you can actually do it.” A.J.'s mind set for a career in show going to have to go to either LA or New tion and the stage show for Jody Watley’s A.J. says that the Spelman experience business wasn't always that fixed. As a Psy­ York,” A.J. says, “so I decided that I might as 1989 tour. taught her discipline, responsibility, perse­ chology major at Spelman, A.J. was prepar­ well try it.” "It was such a blessing,” A.J. says “be­ verance and how to survive on her own. ing herself for graduate school while "dab­ All along, A.J. had been laying her foun­ cause one thing just started leading to another. In high school, A.J. was Homecoming bling” in performing whether it was with the dation by making connections and sending The next thing I know I was either in them or Queen and president of both her class and the Spelman/Morehouse Players or working with pictures to LA and New York. By the time she choreographing them or both. It was like a drama club. "When I got to Spelman I met Alford throughout the city. Being repre­ moved to LA she already had an agent with a snowball and word started spreading.” 500 other women who had done the same sented by a few talent agencies in Atlanta af­ cushion of experience from Atlanta, previous That snowball is rapidly turning into an thing. The sense of competition was defi­ forded her the opportunity to do some com­ LA auditions and “School Daze.” "It was just avalanche with TV spots on “A Different ■ nitely there.” says A.J.. “1 felt that if I could mercials. “I had started to get really serious a matter of putting the strategy and plan in World," “Day by Day,” “In the Heat of the make my mark and survive in Spelman’s about it,” A.J. says, “but still keeping in the effect and hoping for the best.” A.J. recalls. Night" and the Walt Disney Movie of the environment then half of my job was done.” back of my mind that I was going to grad A.J. packed her car with everything she Week, “The Isiah Thomas Story” under her When Campbell comments on how A.J. school.” didn’t sell at McAlpin and headed for the west belt. always pushes so hard and never gives up, After graduating magna cum laude, she coast. “I stopped on campus to say good-bye In “HouseParty”, A.J.'s character, Shar­ A.J. tells her, "In order to make it at Spelman worked at Georgia Tech for two years with to some of my sorors and I ran into Spike and ane, is best friends with Sidney, played by you’re dealing with a bunch of women just the Dean of Engineering students. Dr. Lisa he said “I hear you’re getting ready to go. Campbell who portrayed Jane, the lead singer like that. You either sink or swim.” This Howard, a former Sociology professor at Where are you going? We need you for the of the Gamma Rays, in “School Daze" and prepared A.J. for the competition in LA. Spelman. movie in two weeks.” So A.J. stayed for the Marva on the TV show “Rags to Riches.” A.J. adds that “Once I proved to myself At making a repeat performance in More­ filming of “School Daze” and then drove to Tisha is currently working on her debut music that I could still do it even among the baddest house’s Homecoming/Coronation after she LA. album on Capitol Records. Black women in the world, then I knew that graduated, A.J.’s talent caught the eye of Lee helped her out in LA too by introduc­ Ironically, A.J. and Tisha are have be­ Hollywood was just another step.” Spike Lee, who was attending the festivities ing her to people, but A.J. adds that, “the rest come the best of friends in real-life after Next Issue: to get on-hands experience for his movie was on me.” meeting during “School Daze”, and often Spotlight exclusive interview with “School Daze.” Lee asked A.J. if she would A.J.’s first big job in LA was as a key­ work on music videos together. A.J. says Kid 'N Play Mentorship Program strengthens ... (continued from page 3)

Ms. McClellan says she has begun to “I’ve had the opportunity to meet top ate school after graduation to pursue an M.B. A. agement consulting firm. She wants to focus “think in broader terms beyond Spelman.” people in the company while other employees and an M.A. in Asian Studies. on operations research and find more efficient The Mentorship Program has provided who have worked there for years have never She plans to start her own consulting firm ways of running a business. her and the other participants with more in­ done that. It’s a really big deal.” in international business. Andrea Ivory is an Economics major and sight into the realities of the corporate world. She gives special thanks to Ms. Ammons “The Mentorship Program has assisted is working with Trust Company Bank. ¿for her dedication to the program. “She’s me in achieving my goal because it has opened She plans to become an entrepreneur and always there,” Ms. Coleman says, “to mold doors as far as meeting contacts I may be able joined the program because “I wanted to see if the corporate world is for me, and 1 wanted future leaders.” to utilize in the future,” says Ms. Cook. Leslie Collins, a junior from Indianapo­ Ms. Cook hopes even more students will to begin now to learn the lifestyle.” Class Presidents... Ms. Ivory has been to business meetings lis, has similar views. decide to participate next year. (continued from page 3) Having already worked as an intern in Lisa Shepard says the program is a great and luncheons, and she also attended a new corporate America, Ms. Collins wanted to get opportunity for anyone interested in the cor­ employee orientation. Some of the various activities Ms. Brooks has a more in-depth look at the duties of an execu­ porate world. "1 decided to get involved with the pro­ As an Economics/Sociology major, Ms. gram because of the positive feedback I re­ implemented include, social etiquette classes tive. for seniors to improve their interviewing and As a Computer Science major, Ms. Shepard wanted to “see what skills are neces­ ceived from former participants,” says Kei- sha McClellan, an English/Political Science corporate skills. Cindy's community service Collins says she wants to get her MBA and sary to succeed and make appropriate agenda for the senior class includes tutoring become an entrepreneur. She, too, praises changes.” major from Milton, Massachusetts. Ms. McClellan is working with one of the and mentoring at Capital View Elementary Ms. Ammons for her direction. “Dr. Cole “The Mentorship Program is very excit­ top black-owned businesses in the country- School and the Battered Women’s shelter. couldn’t have chosen a better person to guide ing because I have the opportunity to meet H.J. Russell and Company. She plans to Spelman applauds the outstanding job the program.” with leading executives in the Atlanta area,” attend law school after graduation and start her class presidents are performing. Keep up Gretchen Cook is the only senior in the says Kimberly Woods. the good work!!! program and says she wants to attend gradu­ Ms. Woods plans to open her own man­ her own law firm. Spelman Spotlight Page 12 SPORTS Volleyball team wraps up Dana Foundation... By Angela Fry (continued from page 3)

The volleyball team wrapped up it’s sea­ Paine College came in second and Spelman son at the end of October, with a record of 9 finished third. LeMoyne-Owen also partici­ faculty mentors are: Stacey Byers, Econom­ would otherwise miss she says.” wins and 12 losses which was the same as last pated in the well-supported event. “It made a ics, Eilene D. Maupin; Kirsten Charles, Math, Even though Dr. Gayles is not teaching at year's record. good impression for one thing, and it was Nagambal S. Shah; Diana Dismus, Math, Spelman this semester, she is keeping close Asa young, inexperienced team, the squad great to have because it was something bigger Fred Bowers; Kathryn Dungy, History, Mi­ ties with her assigned Dana scholar, Tayari, played hard. “We lost some close ones, and than a regular game." said Coach Feldkamp. chael Gomez; Andrea Jenkins, Music (Per­ who was introduced to the program by a flyer also some that we should have won,” says Feldcamp also said that she hopes the formance), Joyce F. Johnson; Cecilia Johnson, in the elevator. “This is an excellent way to Coach Sue Feldkamp, “but there were some tournament will grow by providing better fa­ Music (Voice), Carolyn Brailsford; Tayari explore the ins and outs of academia before girls who filled in, due to the circumstances cilities and gaining more support. In addition, Jones, English, Gloria Wade-Gayles; and grad school. I am learning things that are not and played hard and well.” for the first time after being reorganized. The Althea McCoy, Political Science, Marilyn A. in brochures.” Since Coach Feldkamp cannot offer Phoenix Cup Tournament was cancelled Davis. Stacey values education on all levels but scholarships or require players to return early because the only two schools that signed up Kirsten feels that the program is “an wants to teach on the college level because “it for practices, Spelman’s team starts much were Spelman and Oglethorpe, who regularly excellent opportunity for Black women to get prepares you the most for succeeding in the later than their competitors. competes against Spelman anyway. “This was a step ahead.” world.” She says “It's difficult to be prepared a big disappointment because it has always Andrea and Cecilia attended the College The program will add 7 or 8 more current when we only practiced six times before our been like the championship match,” Coach Music Society and Center for Black Music sophomores during a nomination and selec­ first match. Since the season is so short, a lot Feldkamp says. Research Conferences in St. Louis, Miss, tion period this month. Questions from inter­ of girls wait until it's too late to want to try out, Things look good for next season. The with their faculty mentors. Andrea, who has ested sophomores or faculty interested in but I never know what to expect from the girls 1990 team is expected to play on the same been sub-teaching for some of Dr. Johnson’s serving as mentors may be directed to: who do try out.” caliber as its opponents. Feldkamp says, classes, says, “”I talked to different music Dr. Akiba Harper 681-3643 ext.356, For the first time the team hosted a tour­ “Some sophomores and freshmen say they professors who told me about different teach­ Giles 211-E. nament where Fisk University placed first. are going to stick with it next year.” ing methods and various aspects of music.” Mailing address: Cecilia regularly taught three students in Box 354, Spelman College, voice last year. “There are a lot of little things Atlanta, Ga. 30314. Back on track you pick up on when you're teaching that you Contributing: Dr. Akiba Harper

By Kheri Holland THE FASTEST START TO A “Spelman has a track team?" is a ques­ Richcy-Walton has scheduled meets for the FAST-PACED CAREER: tion that has been asked by many people, following dates: AIR FORCE ROTC. students and faculty alike. It's now time to set the record straight. Yes, Spelman College has March 24 - Paine University April 11 - AUC Meet a track team. It was started spring semester April 21 - Tuskegee University 1989 by myself and Spelman junior Pam Fast-paced careers go Lewis with the help of Kathy Richey-Walton. There are also tentative meets on April 6 to those who respond to Last year the Spelman track team partici­ and 7 in Kentucky and April 13 and 14 in challenge. Your best response today: pated in three meets, the AUC Track Meet and Alabama. These are tentative because the Air Force ROTC. in the Morehouse Relays, placing second team does not have the funds to go on over­ The word is opportunity. The rewards are extraordinary. The time is now. Whether behind Clark Atlanta University. We were night trips. Fundraisers have been planned, you’re about to begin college, or have already begun, able to finish the short season with few inju­ so be on the look out and support Spelman’s it’s time to learn the leadership skills you need to succeed. ries and good standings. first track team. You may also be eligible for two- through four-year schol­ The team is now focusing on this year's We look forward to seeing you on March arships that can pay full college tuition, textbooks and season. Official practice begins on February 17 at The Morehouse Relays. Make sure you fees, plus $100 tax-free each academic month. 5 with the first meet on March 17. Coach Contact come and support us. CAPT CHERYL GREER 894-7379 Forum on Interracial Relationships

(continued from page 9) Leadership Excellence Starts Here

Ernest Porterfield who interviewed people beginning. involved in interracial marriages. Some of Another argument given by the opposi­ the results: 20% of the white women said they tion is that we need to marry intraracially Cruise Ship Jobs Jobs in Alaska married Black men because Black men are because “our community needs family stabil­ HIRING Men - Women. Summer/ HIRING Men - Women • Summer/ more interesting, 40% of the Black men said ity, mobility, a higher sense of self, and edu­ Year Round. PHOTOGRAPHERS, Year Round. CANNERIES, FISHING, TOUR GUIDES, RECREATION PERSONNEL. LOGGING, TOURISM, CONSTRUCTION they married white women because white cation,” as stated by Kenneth Dunkin. Excellent pay plus FREE travel. Caribbean, women are less domineering; however. 73% By the time the floor was opened to Hawaii, Bahamas, South Pacific. Mexico. up to $600 weekly, plus FREE room CALL NOW! Call refundable. and board. CALL NOW! Call refundable. of the interracial couples said they married questions and comments from the audience, 1-206-736-0775, Ext. 1-206-736-0775, Ext. their partners for love and compatibility. the chaos was so great that little was accom­ The affirmative team also stated that being plished. However, some members of the in interracial relationships did not prevent audience got a chance to remark. One young Blacks such as Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Harry lady said she didn’t think Black men should Belafonte, and Frederick Douglass from marry interracially when 70% of our black contributing greatly to the black community. families are headed by single black women. Spotlight sponsors Trent Berry posed the question: "Why is it A young man asked whether genetics plated a that we as black men can date black women part in interracial relationships, and when the mascot search who appear white, but can’t date white members of the opposition replied yes, he women? Interracial relationships help to bring asked, “Why isn't right for someone like about cultural diversity which is something Vanessa Williams to date someone like George By Angela Fry our country thrives upon was the last point Michael rather than Michael Jordan since introduced by the affirmative team. Williams and (George) Michael have a closer Would you like to go down in Spel- Let this be a means to arouse your Fanon Wilkins of the opposing team genetic makeup?" One young lady gave her man's history books? Well here's how. school spirit. Let this mascot be a reflec­ argued that “it is imperative that we as black comments using symbols such as chocolate Due to the growing interest in sports, our tion of you. Be creative and turn in as people define ourselves for ourselves. He and vanilla ice cream to convey her point. athletic department has initiated more many suggestions as you want. Artists who defines you rules you." He also said that Many thought-provoking questions and athletic programs on Spelman’s campus. may submit drawings of their mascot we commit self-destruction and cultural comments were raised. What do you think? But, we don't have a mascot! What ideas. homocide when we seek romantic relation­ Should we as black people become involved image do you think best represents the Just drop it in the campus mail slot in ships outside our race. The opposition as­ with interracial relationships or should it be Spelmanite? the post office addressed: serted that when one marries, he marries the the choice of the individual? Address your We encourage everyone to submit social institution behind the person. People comments to : suggestions. Just think of how proud you Spelman Spotlight Mascot Search who marry interracially marry an institution Letters to the Editor, Spelman Spotlight, will be if your entry is chosen. PO Box 1234 that was never supportive of them in the PO Box 1234, Atlanta GA, 30314. Spelman Spotlight Page 13 An American in Japan: Being Black Wasn’t Easy

By Gretchen Cook

Sooner or later, any foreigner in Japan If there was racism in Japan, I was going to bothered me, for I was quick to realize that for Blacks, Whites and Japanese, most of them will hear it. “Gajin desu yo!” yell uniformed have to face it head on, make the best of my the most part, whenever I saw a Black person professors at different universities. We held pointing children. “Gajiti desu yo," whisper time there and do whatever I could to dispel portrayed in the media, it was either an ath­ meetings, sent other bits of information and, groups of old women as a foreigner walks by. any of those negative images in the minds of lete, an entertainer, criminal or starving refu­ since we lived in various cities, kept in touch it means: “There’s a foreigner!” And take it the Japanese I was to encounter. gee in Africa. mostly through letters. from me, while living in Nagoya, Japan for Once, a Japanese friend’s mother wasn’t Of course, this was not bettered by the I must say that, although Japanese still the past ten months as a Black American, I too pleased that I was her daughter’s dinner little tar-black dolls with the over-sized pink have a long way to go to overcome their heard it every day. guest. I had been invited to dine with a lips wearing hula-skirts, and an earring through general xenophobia, I have seen great strides With a population of over 2 million made by groups, such as the Japan Anti- people, Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city Apartheid League (Japanese are “honorary and home of several large household-name whites” in South Africa), and by individuals, corporations such as Toyota. Still, it’s like a such as a young boy in Okasa City, who “sleepy” town, as different from the better disapproved of the “tar baby” dolls and col­ known Tokyo as Beaumont, Texas is from lected as many as he could find. New York City. It’s a more traditional city He and his parents displayed these items than Tokyo— a city that has managed to hold at a meeting and called for them to be discon­ on tho its “Japoneaseness.” Tokyo, by con­ tinued. They formed an organization to fight trast, with its ever-increasing internationali­ racist stereotyping in Japan. zation and large concentration of foreigners, may not strike one a Japanese at all. Better times ahead And it was here that I experienced mod­ em Japan with no sightings of samuri, geisha Gretchen Cook, C’90 at her graduation from Nanzan University in Most of my time in Japan was not spent girls, or kamikaze pilots or many of the other Japan flanked by her friends, Yoshie Yeu-sensee and Ootsuka-sensee. focusing on racism; however, I made many things Americans sterotypically associate with close, special friends, spoke their language my host country. Those concepts are as dis­ university friend at home. However, she did the nose, which were frequently seen at rest every day, taught English part-time and learned tant to them as images of the cowboys of the not happen to mention to her mother that I was stops along the highway. I remember going to traditional things such as the tea ceremony Wild West are for us. However, I discovered Black, although she did know I was a for­ such a place with my host family, all eyes and how to tie a kimono. I learned that the that a good bit of today’s Japan still live in eigner. Upon meeting me, the shock on her turning to stare, and seeing those types of Japanese can be warm and friendly, just as dark ages with prejudice, ignorance, and stere­ mother’s face was all too clear. She was very dolls hanging from the ceiling all over the any other people can be. otypes with regards to Black people, whether tense through dinner as we watched the Olym­ store. I looked at my host mother, almost in After a while, I actually felt a sense of American, African, or from anywhere else. pics on TV. One of the athletes on TV was tears, and asked her if that was what I looked nakama or that I really belonged to my host Korean and she made it a point of telling me like in her eyes. She said no, but it seemed as family. I argued with my host sisters—there Going on no matter what that she hated Koreans. Then she turned to her if no one could understand why those images were four of them—just as if we were real daughter and said, “I also hate Black people upset me so much. siblings and had a few disagreements with my I arrived in Japan in August 1988 during and Chinese!” host parents; however, there were no prob­ the upheaval of newspaper articles about I was very upset, but remained calm The Mighty Pen lems that could not be overcome and laughed degrading Black mannequins and other im­ enough to leave and return to my host fam­ about later. ages of Blacks on store bought paraphernalia. ily’s house where I promptly screamed into After that experience I wrote two articles I had to adjust to removing my shoes as I That was also just after Michio Wantanbe, my pillow, which was about my only means for one of Japan’s national papers, one was entered any home, learn how to take a Japa­ one of Japans highest government officials of releasing my frustration in Japan. The next about Black AMerican History Month and its nese bath, the ofuro, learn how and when to made racist remarks about Black Americans. day, the friend apologized repeatedly and told significance, and another in which I wrote a bow to certain people, learn Japanese table Knowing that I was en route, my friends me she knew her mother did not like Black review of the movie “Mississippi Burning,” and other social manners, learn humility, adjust from around the country phoned me, and people, but she thought that if her mother which I used as a vehicle to air my views on to bringing gifts with me when I went to visit asked me why on earth I would want to go to actually met one, she would change her mind. racism and give background on Black Ameri­ anyone’s house, and how to avoid a pervert’s such an obviously racist nation to spend a year Fortunately for me, this type of episode can History. hands on the crowded subways and buses. in school. Several friends tried to convince only happened twice. However, I was con­ I received such approval that I decided to All of these adjustments, not to mention me not to go. However, after having planned stantly asked upon first meeting whether I try to organize the 18 or so Blacks living in the the fact that I was in a place alien to me and my this adventure for more than three years and was an athlete or an entertainer. And when I area so we could hold lectures or a cultural culture, can be very trying on an individual. having struggled to obtain scholarships and relied neither, there was usually a look of festival and have a support network for each But I am extremely grateful to have had such grants, and after having been accepted into disbelief, especially if I mentioned that I was other. an eye-opening, learning experience in the the program and assigned a host family, there a Toyota scholar at Nanzan University, one of I joined a small African and Black Land of the Rising Sun. Sayoonara. was no way I was going to change my mind. Japan’s top private schools. These reactions American Studies group which consisted of This article was reprinted with the per­ mission of The Columbia Flyer. Back in the Day: The Rockefeller Contribution By Monica Lynn Briggs

What’s the “real deal” when it comes to were raising funds to expand the seminary founding of the school. Upon arrival, Mr. ard and Giles decided to change the name of the Rockefellers and their claim to Spelman from the basement of Friendship Baptist Rockefeller learned of the bind the school the seminary to Spelman Seminary, in honor College? What was their donation to Spel­ Church. John D. Rockefeller, a member of was experiencing. They, in conjunction with of the parents of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, man’s History? Why are the buildings and the the Wilson Avenue Baptist Church, was in Friendship Baptist Church, owed $15,000 in Mr. and Mrs. Harvey B. Spelman. college itself named after members of the attendance for the presentation of Packard mortgage payments. The facility was shared There are six buildings on our campus Rockefeller family? The story begins with and Giles. Upon hearing their story, with Morehouse college. The school raised named in honor of members of the Rockefeller the founding of Spelman Seminary. Rockefeller donated $250 toward the devel­ approximately $4,300 from Black Baptists in family. They are: John D. Rockefeller Hall, In the summer of 1882, Sophia Packard opment of a new academic facility and added Georgia and friends. Recognizing their di­ Bessie Strong Rockefeller, Sister’s Chapel, and Harriet Giles, our founders, spoke at the money in his pockets to the collection lemma, Mr. Rockefeller donated the remain­ Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Laura Spelman Wilson Avenue Church about their mission at plate for Ms. Giles and Ms. Packard. ing balance so that the seminary could not Rockefeller and the John D. Rockefeller Fine Spelman, then known as the Atlanta Baptist In April 1884, the Rockefellers paid the only pay for the property, but operate in a Arts Building. Female Seminary. Atlanta Female Baptist Seminary an unan­ facility separate from Friendship Baptist During that year, over a century ago, they nounced visit for the third anniversary of the Church.After this gesture of kindness, Pack­

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New York University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. TO6 Spelman Photograph of Frederick Oouglass/The Bettmann Archive. Inc. Spelman Spotlight Page 15

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